Apply for the IDOS Shaping Futures Academy 2025

The Shaping Futures: African-European Network on Development and Sustainability Academy (Shaping Futures Academy), formerly known as the BMZ African-German Leadership Academy (African Academy) is a dialogue and training programme targeted at early to mid-career professionals from participating African, (Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Togo, and Zambia) and European (EU, EEA, and UK) countries. The Shaping Futures Academy aims to empower future leaders on both continents by bringing together like- minded peers to reflect on their roles in their respective communities and institutions and develop strategies on how they can induce or support change processes for a transformation to sustainability in the present and future contexts.

• Table of Content
• About German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)
• Shaping Futures Academy
• Aim and Benefits of Shaping Futures Academy
• Requirements for Shaping Futures Academy Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Shaping Futures Academy
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is located in the UN City of Bonn and is one of the world’s leading research institutions and think tanks for global sustainable development. Our work is based on the interplay between Research, Policy Advice and Training. IDOS is building bridges between theory and practice. The research is theory-based, empirically driven and application-oriented. It provides the basis for the activities in policy advice of the Institute. We develop policy-relevant concepts, advises ministries, governments and international...... continue reading

Shaping Futures Academy

Aim and Benefits of Shaping Futures Academy

• A high-quality digital programme, combining, academic insights and hands-on training, including insights in the practice of German political, economic and social system
• Innovative training and exchanges on leadership skills crucial for sustainable development in different contexts
• Strengthening digital collaboration skills by working online in highly diverse teams
• Shaping a network of organisations and individuals dedicated to sustainable development from seven African countries and Germany

Requirements for Shaping Futures Academy Qualification

The Shaping Futures Academy targets early to mid-career professionals from participating African (Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Togo and Zambia) and European (EU, EEA and UK) countries.

• Be a national or permanent resident of one of the participating countries
• Be 25 – 40 years old*
• Work on issues relevant for sustainable development and governance
• Have at least three years’ work experience (non-remunerated experience is also recognised)
• Have the support of their employer (written support required as part of application)
• Have a very good command of the English language (equivalent to B2 level of the CEFR)
• Be respectful of other cultures
• Be open to teamwork, reflection and a broad variety of working methods
• Have a valid passport (at the time of travel)

*Older applicants, who have taken longer periods of parental leave, may be considered

Interview date, Process and Venue for Shaping Futures Academy

The Shaping Futures Academy is grounded on three essential elements that contribute to capacity development: knowledge, action and leadership.

• The knowledge element offers participants the space to exchange and jointly learn about the themes of governance and sustainability, on both a global and local level. In the academic modules, participants strengthen their analytical capabilities through engagement with different concepts and the direct interaction with diverse scientific and practice-oriented stakeholders. This includes encounters in discussions, workshops and site-visits to selected institutions.
• The action elements offer participants the opportunity to combine and expand their knowledge and skills as well as to put them into practice. Working independently in small and changing group constellations, participants collectively develop mini-projects and assignments that allow them to connect their various expertise in diverse learning formats.
• The leadership element focusses on developing individual and collective competencies, including strengthening dialogue skills, problem solving, exchanging perspectives, teamwork, reflecting on one’s values, and building strong and trustful relationships, which will also benefit the participants’ home institutions.

The programme, delivered in a block format, utilizes a range of training methods used to cultivate learning, including but not limited to facilitated sessions, workshops, open space and bar camp formats, presentations, discussions, excursions, expert interviews, and role-play. The Shaping Futures Academy works under the premise that knowledge acquisition is not passive but requires open and active engagement. Through collaborative peer learning, participants benefit from an exchange of different perspectives, hone their critical thinking skills, and develop shared values

The format of the Academy is based on the training concept developed in the frame of the MGG Academy.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Make sure you fulfil the application criteria and requirements.

2. Read the conditions for participation.

3. Compile your application documents:

• Application Form Part I: Applicant’s statement – to be completed and signed by you.
• Application Form Part II: Employer’s statement of support – to be completed, signed and stamped by your employer.
• Diploma – A copy of your diploma or certificate (in English, French or German, or as a translation) of the highest professional qualification and/or university degree.

4. Submit your application (one application per applicant) via the application portal by completing all question fields and uploading your application documents.

In case you have any disability for which you would require assistance during the application process, please reach out to us.

For more details, visit IDOS website.